Is There a Raise in Your Future?

Astrologists share their career and finance predictions for 2014

Seeing Stars

“What’s your sign?” may seem like a throwback pickup line from the 1970s, but astrology is still alive and well in the United States. According to recent polls, at least a quarter of all Americans believe their astrological sign may influence their future. Whether or not you’re among them, you’re probably a little curious to see what’s in the stars this year.

We were. So we asked some leading astrologers for their money and career predictions for the year ahead. The good news is, well, it’s (mostly) good news. Based on their analysis of the upcoming positions of the planets in our solar system that influence all 12 signs, they see exciting possibilities ahead for all of us in the year ahead. Astrologer Anne M. Nordhaus-Bike, author of “Follow the Sun: A Simple Way to Use Astrology for Living in Harmony,” calls 2014 “the Year of Action.” What does that mean for you? Keep reading to find out.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 20)

You are: Disciplined and ambitiousYour year ahead: Expect some huge career changes in 2014. When the planet Pluto is in a sign, there are deep transformations — Phoenix-rising-from-the-ashes kind of changes — ahead. Nordhaus-Bike says you can expect this planet in your sign all year, so a big work makeover could be around the corner. “You can eliminate what no longer serves you and create new structures and businesses that serve the highest good.”

Aquarius (January 21 to February 19)

You are: Original and progressiveYour year ahead: Thinking “outside the box” will bring you success in 2014. Never one to play it safe, you’ll find that this year your creative ideas will not only be embraced, but may produce tangible results to your company’s bottom line.

Pisces (February 20 to March 20)

You are: Intuitive and compassionateYour year ahead: “In general, Earth and Water signs (like Pisces) are accumulators — savers and builders of financial wealth,” says New York City-based astrologer Anne Ortelee. In the months ahead, ambitious drive will lead to career success. After mid-July, you may experience the urge to seek out a new career or move to a competitor. Either way, chances are it will be a lucrative decision.

Aries (March 21 to April 20)

You are: Courageous and decisiveYour year ahead: Expect to feel the need to march to the beat of your own drum in your career this year. Uranus represents originality, or the need for independence, and Nordhaus-Bike says this planet will influence your sign all year. “You can free yourself from outworn identities and create innovations and inventions that help you leap into the future,” she says.

Taurus (April 21 to May 21)

You are: Loyal and patientYour year ahead: “You are going to...spend more than [you] are comfortable spending,” says Ortelee, and that may make you nervous. But don’t worry, says Ortelee. “As long as you think of it as investing in your future, that will help ease your anxiety." We’re talking about expenses like hiring a career coach or paying for night classes or registering for a conference. These short-term outlays of money will help you boost your earning power in the long run.

Gemini (May 22 to June 21)

You are: Versatile and resourcefulYour year ahead: Don’t overcommit or count your chickens before they hatch, warns astrologer Jo Tracey of Sydney, Australia. In the first half of 2014, you’ll have opportunities to expand your resources. But be wary of investing without doing your homework first, she adds. If the opportunities seem too good to be true, they just may be.

Cancer (June 22 to July 22)

You are: Sensitive and imaginativeYour year ahead: Feelings of benevolence sweep over you this year. Jupiter represents generosity of spirit, optimism and enthusiasm, and this planet will be making an appearance in your sign until mid-July, says Nordhaus-Bike. It could manifest as dedication to a charity or a desire to mentor someone at work. Either way, you’ll benefit while giving a helping hand.

Leo (July 23 to August 22)

You are: Noble and you like to leadYour year ahead: Your luck is back! “Fire signs, like Leo, are the speculators, gamblers, spenders,” says Ortelee. “But they’re also visionaries.” In 2014, you’ll finally see the brighter side after a few tough months in your career. Best of all: Your risks may pay off big-time in the year to come.

Virgo (August 23 to September 23)

You are: Choosy and known for discriminate tasteYour year ahead: You’ll be straightening out your financial situation. Expect your personal money zone to feel energized in the first half of the year, says Tracey. “You have an opportunity to get your personal finances in order, review your spending habits and balance your budgets. Most importantly, it's a chance for you to appreciate just how much you are worth,” she says.

Libra (September 24 to October 23)

You are: Social and idealisticYour year ahead: You may feel the need to push back with your supervisors in 2014. Mars represents the fighting spirit or the need to stand up for yourself. So expect this planet to be in your sign until late July, says Nordhaus-Bike. But don’t see this tension as negative. Rather, it is a means to an end. “You can harness this powerful energy to create balance and harmonious relationships,” she says.

Scorpio (October 24 to November 22)

You are: Passionate and discreetYour year ahead: The work drudgery you’ve been feeling lets up in 2014. Maybe it was your punishing workload or you were feeling uninspired on the job, but last year was less than fulfilling at the office. Now, you’ll get the payoff you deserve. Be ready to reap the benefits for your diligence.

Sagittarius (November 23 to December 21)

You are: Adventurous and optimisticYour year ahead: You’ll hitch a ride on some successful coattails in 2014, but that doesn’t mean you should just sit back and relax. Since some signs, like yours, aren’t as money conscious as others, align yourself nicely with some who do. Your tell-it-like-it-is personality is an asset, so money savvy people will gravitate toward you too. You come up with fearless plans all the time that end up filling both of your coffers. In other words, you'll make quite a team in 2014!